First Nations forum report highlights actions to improve water security
The Better Water in the Bush forum report has been released by the Goyder Institute for Water Research. The report is a comprehensive analysis of the discussions at the forum. It suggests 12 focus areas to help Close the Gap on First Nations water security in Australia.
The 12 focus areas include suggestions to:
- resolve challenges, including around remoteness
- partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- build skills and capacities of local communities
- share information across all levels of government.
The forum report is already informing Australian Government policy and decision making. For example, the Government has committed $5 million towards building local understanding, capability and empowering communities to benefit from improved water infrastructure. This funding will help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make better informed decisions about water infrastructure for their community.
About the forum
The Better Water for the Bush forum was held on 27–29 June 2023 in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). The forum was delivered by the National Water Grid in partnership with the Goyder Institute for Water Research and Desert Knowledge Australia.
The forum brought together diverse participants from across Australia, including Aboriginal community representatives, land councils, utilities, health regulators, service providers and national, state and territory, and local government agencies.
Better water for the bush forum video
View some of the stories shared by forum participants.
Learn more
- Read the full report on the Goyder Institute’s website
- Find out more about the Better Water for the Bush forum.